Dr Death on the run in the US
March 10, 2006 – 6:04AM, from the AAP via The Sydney Morning Herald:
Dr Jayant Patel, the rogue surgeon linked to 13 patient deaths at a Queensland hospital, is on the run again – this time from a $2 million lawsuit in the United States over the death of a three-year-old boy there.
The Indian-trained surgeon fled Australia to his home in Portland, Oregon, last year after allegations about his incompetence were raised in Queensland parliament.
According to News Limited newspapers, it is now alleged the surgeon, dubbed Dr Death by the media, cut three year-old Ian McClellan’s bowel during surgery, resulting in the death of the child in 1999.
His mother, Ana McClellan, launched legal action last month after reading about Dr Patel’s track record in Australia.
But Dr Patel has reportedly spent the last week refusing to answer his door and be served with legal papers.
Ms McClellan is also suing Dr Patel’s employer, health care group Kaiser Permanente, who recommended the surgeon perform the operation.
A report into Patel’s conduct during his two years as director of surgery at Bundaberg Hospital linked him to at least 13 patient deaths and causing harm to 31 other patients.
Previously:
Former colleagues at Kaiser Permanente gave surgeon branded ?Dr. Death? glowing references